Instead of a steel framework that traditionally forms skyscrapers, 500,000 tons of concrete went into the construction of the Al Hamra Firdous. The Al Hamra Firdous required all of that concrete to be pumped vertically. Placing the concrete isn't the only impressive structural feat of the project. The outermost corner of Al Hamra's main structural wall spans 150 feet away from the building.

Al Hamra Firdous is the world's only asymmetrical skyscraper. Inspired by the traditional robes of Kuwaitis, the massive concrete wall that wraps 130 degrees around the building and the concrete lattice of buttresses at the ground are meant to suggest Middle Eastern textiles and patterns.

The turning concrete wall, with carefully placed windows and openings, maximizes and directs views and minimizes solar heat gain on the office floors. The deeply set windows also emphasize the mass of the wall.

Within its 80 stories, the Al Hamra Firdous houses a major commercial complex of offices and retail.

Even at 412 meters, the Al Hamra Firdous is not SOM's highest skyscraper. The firm is also responsible for the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, currently the world's tallest tower, which at 828 meters is more than twice the height of the Al Hamra Firdous.